A Complete Guide To Save On Grocery Shopping On A Budget in 2023

Here’s we learn complete guide about shopping on a reasonable budget:

Make a list:

Before you go shopping, make a list of the items you need. This will help you stay focused and avoid buying items that you don’t really need.

Use coupons:

Look for coupons in your local newspaper or online. You can also sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs from your favorite stores to receive coupons and discounts.

Compare prices:

Check the prices at different stores to see where you can get the best deal. Don’t forget to check for sales and discounts as well.

Buy in bulk:

Buying in bulk can save you money, especially if you are able to purchase non-perishable items at a discounted price.

Just be sure to store them properly to ensure they don’t go to waste.

Plan your meals:

Plan your meals for the week and only buy the ingredients you need. This will help you avoid waste and save money.

Consider store brands:

Store-brand items are often just as good as national brands and can be significantly cheaper.

How much should you spend on groceries?

It can be difficult to determine how much you should spend on groceries as it depends on several factors, such as your location, household size, and eating habits. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed guidelines that can help you determine a reasonable budget for your grocery expenses.

According to the USDA, the average monthly grocery budget for a family of four (two adults and two children) ranges from $746 to $1,063, depending on the age of the children.

These estimates are based on the “thrifty,” “low-cost,” “moderate-cost,” and “liberal” plans, which represent the lowest, lower-middle, middle, and highest food cost plans, respectively.

For a single adult, the average monthly grocery budget ranges from $226 to $325, depending on the plan.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates and you may need to adjust your budget based on your specific circumstances.

Best ways to save money on groceries without coupons

Shop the sales: Keep an eye on the sales flyer for your local grocery store and plan your meals around items that are on sale. This can help you save money on your purchases.

Buy in bulk:

Buying in bulk can save you money, especially if you are able to purchase non-perishable items at a discounted price. Just be sure to store them properly to ensure they don’t go to waste.

Shop at discount stores:

Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl often have lower prices on groceries compared to traditional supermarkets.

Consider store brands: Store-brand items are often just as good as national brands and can be significantly cheaper.

Plan your meals:

Plan your meals for the week and only buy the ingredients you need. This will help you avoid waste and save money.

Shop the perimeter:

The perimeter of the store is where the fresh produce, meats, and dairy products are typically located. These items are often less processed and cheaper than the items in the middle aisles of the store.

Grow your own food: Consider starting a garden or purchasing a few pots of herbs to grow on your balcony.

This can save you money on your grocery bill and give you fresh, healthy ingredients to use in your cooking.

Shop online and use grocery pickup

Grocery pickup is a service offered by some retailers that allows customers to shop for groceries online and then pick them up at the store without having to leave their car.

To use this service, you typically need to create an account on the retailer’s website or app and browse the available products. You can add items to your cart and then select a pickup time that is convenient for you.

When you arrive at the store, you can call the number provided to let them know you are there, and a store employee will bring your order out to your car.

Some retailers may also offer delivery service for an additional fee. This allows you to have your groceries delivered to your home instead of picking them up at the store.

Set a reasonable food budget

It is difficult to provide a specific food budget that would be reasonable for everyone, as people have different financial situations and varying levels of income.

However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you set a reasonable food budget for yourself.

First, consider your income. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a reasonable food budget for one person is between 7% and 10% of their gross income. For a household, the food budget should be slightly higher, between 12% and 15% of the household’s gross income.

Next, consider your living expenses and other financial obligations.

Your food budget should be set after you have taken into account your rent or mortgage payments, utilities, transportation costs, and any other bills that you need to pay.

This will help ensure that you have enough money to cover your basic needs and still have some money left over for other expenses.

Finally, consider your eating habits. If you eat out frequently or tend to buy more expensive or specialty items, your food budget may need to be higher.

On the other hand, if you primarily cook at home and stick to a mostly plant-based diet, your food budget may be lower.

It is also a good idea to keep track of your spending on food for a few weeks to get a sense of how much you are actually spending. This will help you see where you can make adjustments to stay within your budget.

Don’t shop hungry

It is generally a good idea to avoid shopping for food when you are hungry. When you are hungry, you may be more likely to make impulsive or unplanned purchases, which can lead to overspending on food.

If you are hungry when you go shopping, you may be more likely to buy more food than you need, or to buy more expensive or unhealthy items that you wouldn’t normally purchase.

It is easier to stick to your shopping list and make more economical and healthier choices when you are not hungry.

To avoid shopping when you are hungry, try to plan your shopping trips for after a meal or snack, or bring a snack with you to eat before or during your shopping trip.

This will help you make more mindful and budget-conscious decisions when shopping for food.

Pay with cash

Paying with cash can be a good way to stick to a budget when shopping for food. When you pay with cash, you are physically giving up money, which can make it easier to be mindful of your spending.

This can be especially helpful if you have a tendency to overspend or make impulsive purchases.

When you pay with cash, you are also less likely to overspend because you can only spend what you have on hand.

This can help you avoid going over your budget or racking up credit card debt.

On the other hand, paying with cash can also be inconvenient. You may need to make multiple trips to the ATM or carry a lot of cash with you, which can be inconvenient or even unsafe.

Additionally, many stores and restaurants do not accept cash payments, so you may need to carry a credit or debit card with you as a backup.

Ultimately, the best payment method for you will depend on your personal preferences and financial situation. If you are trying to stick to a budget, it can be helpful to use a combination of cash and debit or credit cards to help you stay on track.

Shop the markdown/damaged section

Shopping the markdown or damaged section of a store can be a good way to save money on food. Markdown items are typically discounted because they are close to their expiration date, have been discontinued, or have been damaged in some way.

The markdown section can be a good place to find discounts on a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and packaged goods.

However, it is important to be mindful of the expiration dates of the items you are purchasing and to only buy what you will be able to use before the expiration date.

It is also a good idea to check the quality of the items you are considering purchasing. While some items may be discounted because they are slightly bruised or blemished, others may be more seriously damaged or spoiled.

Be sure to examine the items carefully and only purchase those that are still of good quality.

Overall, shopping the markdown or damaged section can be a great way to save money on food, as long as you are mindful of the expiration dates and quality of the items you are purchasing.

Sign up for store loyalty programs

Signing up for store loyalty programs can be a good way to save money on food. Many stores offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, coupons, or other perks to customers who are members.

To sign up for a store loyalty program, you may need to provide your contact information and possibly a form of payment, such as a credit or debit card.

Some loyalty programs may also require you to download an app or use a loyalty card when shopping.

Once you are a member of a store loyalty program, you may be eligible for special discounts and offers, such as weekly or monthly sales, or discounts on certain items or categories.

Some loyalty programs may also offer rewards or points that you can redeem for discounts or other perks.

By signing up for store loyalty programs, you can save money on food and other items at the stores you regularly shop at.

However, it is important to be mindful of any fees or restrictions associated with the loyalty program and to only sign up for those that offer benefits that align with your shopping habits.

Leave the kids at home

Leaving the kids at home when shopping for food can be a good way to save money and reduce distractions. Kids can be a great source of joy and entertainment, but they can also be a distraction when shopping, especially if they are young or prone to begging for items.

When you leave the kids at home, you can focus on your shopping list and make more efficient use of your time. This can help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending on food or other items.

Leaving the kids at home can also be a good way to save money on food because kids may be more likely to request or beg for items that are not on your shopping list.

By leaving them at home, you can avoid the temptation to make unplanned or impulsive purchases.

That being said, leaving the kids at home may not always be possible or practical. If you do bring your kids with you when shopping, there are a few things you can do to help them behave and stay focused:

• Set clear rules and expectations beforehand.
• Bring along a snack or small toy to keep them occupied.
• Involve them in the shopping process by letting them help you make decisions or find items on your list.

Overall, leaving the kids at home can be a good way to save money and reduce distractions when shopping for food, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what works best for your family.

Ways to cut your grocery bill in half without coupons

Plan your meals in advance: Planning out your meals for the week can help you make more economical and efficient use of your groceries. It can also help you avoid making last-minute trips to the store, which can be more expensive.

Use cheaper ingredients: There are often cheaper alternatives to more expensive ingredients, such as using canned beans instead of dried beans or using ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Stick to simple recipes: Complex recipes with long ingredient lists can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Try using fewer ingredients and simpler recipes to save time and money.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your grocery bill without having to use coupons. It may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you, but with a little planning and effort, you can cut your grocery bill in half.

Stop wasting food

Wasting food can be a significant contributor to your grocery bill. Here are a few ways you can reduce food waste and save money:

Shop for the week:

Buying all the ingredients you need for the week at once can help reduce waste, as you are less likely to forget about ingredients you have already purchased.

Use your leftovers:

Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, try to use them for lunches or future meals. You can also freeze leftovers for future use.

Store food properly:

Proper storage can help extend the shelf life of your food. For example, storing produce in the right environment can help it stay fresher for longer.

Use a grocery list:

A grocery list can help you plan your meals and avoid buying items you don’t need.

Don’t overbuy:

It can be tempting to buy more food than you need, especially when it is on sale. However, buying more food than you can use can lead to waste.

By reducing food waste, you can save money on your grocery bill and help reduce your environmental impact.

Stock your freezer with freezer meals

Stockpiling your freezer with homemade freezer meals can be a good way to save money on food. Freezer meals are meals that have been prepared and then frozen for future use.

They can be a convenient and economical option for busy nights or when you don’t feel like cooking.

To make freezer meals, you can prepare a batch of your favorite recipes and then divide the food into individual portions. You can then freeze the portions in airtight containers or bags for future use.

When you are ready to eat the freezer meal, you can thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave and then heat it up on the stove or in the oven.

There are a few benefits to making freezer meals:

• They save time: Freezer meals can save you time on busy nights because you can just pull them out of the freezer and heat them up, rather than having to start from scratch.
• They save money: Freezer meals can save you money on food because you can buy ingredients in bulk and make several meals at once, rather than having to buy ingredients for each meal individually.
• They are convenient: Freezer meals are convenient because you can just grab one from the freezer and heat it up when you don’t feel like cooking.

By stockpiling your freezer with homemade freezer meals, you can save time and money on food while still eating delicious and nourishing meals.

Buy generic

Buying generic or store-brand products can be a good way to save money on food. Generic or store-brand products are often just as good as name-brand products, but they are often significantly cheaper.

Many store-brand products are made by the same manufacturers as the name-brand products, but they are sold under the store’s own label. This allows the store to offer them at a lower price.

Store-brand products are available in a wide range of categories, including pantry staples, such as grains, beans, and nuts; dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter; and household items, such as cleaning supplies and paper products.

While generic or store-brand products can be a good way to save money on food, it is important to be mindful of the quality of the products you are buying.

Some generic products may be of lower quality than name-brand products, so it is a good idea to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

Overall, buying generic or store-brand products can be a good way to save money on food, as long as you are mindful of the quality of the products you are purchasing.

Shop on restocking days

Shopping on restocking days can be a good way to save money on food. Restocking days are the days when stores receive new shipments of food and other products.

On these days, the store may mark down prices on items that are close to their expiration date or have been discontinued in order to make room for the new products.

To find out when your local store restocks, you can try calling the store or checking their website or social media pages. Some stores may post information about restocking days or markdown sales on their website or social media.

Shopping on restocking days can be a good way to save money on food, as you may be able to find discounts on a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and packaged goods.

However, it is important to be mindful of the expiration dates of the items you are purchasing and to only buy what you will be able to use before the expiration date.

Overall, shopping on restocking days can be a good way to save money on food, as long as you are mindful of the expiration dates and quality of the items you are purchasing.

Price match

Price matching is a way to save money on food by taking advantage of lower prices at other stores. Many stores offer a price matching policy, which means that they will match the price of a product if it is being sold for less at another store.

To take advantage of a price matching policy, you will need to bring proof of the lower price, such as a competitor’s advertisement or a receipt showing the lower price, to the store. The store will then adjust the price of the item to match the lower price.

Price matching can be a good way to save money on food, as it allows you to take advantage of the lowest price available. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all stores offer price matching, and those that do may have certain restrictions or exclusions, such as not matching prices on certain items or during certain sales.

To find out if a store offers price matching, you can check their website or ask a store employee. If a store does offer price matching, be sure to compare prices and bring proof of the lower price with you when you shop to take advantage of the policy.

Pay attention to ‘sell by’ dates on meat

Paying attention to the “sell by” dates on meat can help you save money on food. The “sell by” date is a label that is placed on perishable food items, including meat, to indicate how long the food should be displayed for sale. The “sell by” date is not an expiration date, but rather an indication of the point at which the food is at its peak quality.

The “sell by” date can be a good guide for determining when to use or freeze meat. If you are planning to use the meat within a few days of the “sell by” date, it should still be fresh and of good quality.

If you are not planning to use the meat within a few days of the “sell by” date, it is a good idea to freeze it to extend its shelf life.

By paying attention to the “sell by” dates on meat, you can ensure that you are using the meat while it is still fresh and of good quality, which can help you save money on food. It is also a good idea to store meat properly in the refrigerator or freezer to help extend its shelf life.

Don’t purchase household goods at the grocery store

Purchasing household goods, such as cleaning supplies or paper products, at the grocery store can be more expensive than buying them at a discount store or warehouse club.

Grocery stores often have higher prices on household goods compared to discount stores or warehouse clubs because they have a smaller selection and less buying power.

To save money on household goods, you may want to consider shopping at a discount store or warehouse club. Discount stores, such as Dollar Tree or Dollar General, often have a wide range of household goods at low prices.

Warehouse clubs, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, also offer a wide range of household goods at discounted prices, but you may need to pay a membership fee to shop there.

By shopping at a discount store or warehouse club, you can save money on household goods and free up your grocery budget for other items.

However, it is important to compare prices and consider the convenience of the store or club before making a purchase.

Cut back on portion sizes

Cutting back on portion sizes can be a good way to save money on food. Overeating can lead to food waste and higher grocery bills, as you may be buying more food than you need. By reducing portion sizes, you can reduce food waste and save money on food.

There are a few ways you can cut back on portion sizes:

• Use smaller plates or bowls: Using smaller plates or bowls can help you visually reduce portion sizes and make it easier to eat less.
• Measure out servings: Measuring out servings can help you be more mindful of how much you are eating and avoid overeating.
• Slow down: Eating slowly can help you feel more full and satisfied, which can help you reduce portion sizes.
• Share meals: Sharing meals with a partner or friend can help you reduce portion sizes and save money on food.

By cutting back on portion sizes, you can save money on food and help maintain a healthy weight. It is important to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and stop eating when you are satisfied, rather than stuffed.

Stock up on holiday foods the day after

Stocking up on holiday foods the day after the holiday can be a good way to save money on food. Many stores offer discounts on holiday-themed items, such as baked goods, decorations, and gift baskets, the day after the holiday in order to clear out their inventory.

To save money on holiday foods the day after the holiday, you can keep an eye out for discounts at your local stores or check their websites or social media pages for information about post-holiday sales. You can also consider shopping at discount stores or warehouse clubs, which may have a wider selection of discounted holiday items.

By stocking up on holiday foods the day after the holiday, you can save money on food and have a head start on your holiday shopping for the following year. Just be sure to check the expiration dates of the items you are purchasing and to only buy what you will be able to use before the expiration date.

Shop the perimeter of the store

Shopping the perimeter of the store can be a good way to save money on food. The perimeter of the store is typically where the fresh produce, meats, and dairy products are located, while the center aisles are typically where the packaged and processed foods are located.

Shopping the perimeter of the store can be a good way to save money on food because fresh produce, meats, and dairy products are often less expensive than packaged and processed foods. These foods are also typically healthier options, as they are less likely to be high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.

By focusing on the perimeter of the store when shopping for food, you can save money and make healthier choices. However, it is important to be mindful of the prices of the items you are purchasing and to compare prices with the center aisles to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Overall, shopping the perimeter of the store can be a good way to save money on food and make healthier choices, as long as you are mindful of the prices and quality of the items you are purchasing.

Buy frozen instead of fresh

Buying frozen instead of fresh can be a good way to save money on food. Frozen foods are often less expensive than fresh foods because they have a longer shelf life and do not spoil as quickly. Frozen foods are also often more convenient because they can be stored in the freezer and used as needed.

There are a few types of food that are particularly good choices for the freezer:

• Vegetables: Frozen vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh vegetables and can be a convenient and affordable option.
• Fruits: Frozen fruits are often less expensive than fresh fruits and can be a good option for smoothies or baked goods.
• Meat: Frozen meat can be a good option for meals that you are not planning to use right away. Just be sure to thaw the meat properly before cooking to ensure that it is safe to eat.
• Seafood: Frozen seafood can be a good option if you are not able to get fresh seafood. Just be sure to check the quality and expiration date of the seafood before purchasing.

By buying frozen instead of fresh, you can save money on food while still enjoying a wide range of nutritious and delicious options. Just be sure to check the expiration dates of the items you are purchasing and to store them properly to prevent them from going bad.

Beware of marketing tricks

Beware of marketing tricks when shopping for food. Grocery stores and food manufacturers use a variety of tactics to entice customers and increase sales. Some common marketing tricks to watch out for include:

• End caps: End caps are the shelves at the end of aisles that are often used to display products that are on sale or being promoted. These products may not be the best deals in the store, so be sure to compare prices before making a purchase.
• “Healthy” claims: Some products may be labeled as “healthy” or “good for you,” but these claims can be misleading. Be sure to read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label to get a better understanding of the product’s healthfulness.
• Eye-level shelves: Products that are displayed at eye level are often given prime real estate because they are more likely to be noticed and purchased. However, these products may not always be the best deals in the store.
• Package size: Larger package sizes may seem like a better value, but they may not always be the most economical option. Be sure to compare the unit price, which is the price per ounce or pound, to determine the best deal.

By being aware of these marketing tricks, you can make more informed decisions when shopping for food and avoid overspending.

Tricks grocery stores use to get you to part with your money:

Grocery stores use a variety of tactics to get you to part with your money. Here are a few tricks that grocery stores may use:

• Strategic placement: Grocery stores often place the most profitable items, such as prepared foods and impulse purchases, in convenient locations, such as near the front of the store or at eye level.
• Sales and discounts: Grocery stores may offer sales and discounts to entice you to purchase more items. However, it is important to compare prices and be mindful of the quality of the items you are purchasing.
• Music and lighting: Grocery stores may use specific types of music and lighting to create a pleasant shopping atmosphere and encourage you to spend more time in the store.
• Samples: Grocery stores may offer samples of food to encourage you to try new products and purchase more items.
• End caps: End caps are the shelves at the end of aisles that are often used to display products that are on sale or being promoted. These products may not always be the best deals in the store, so be sure to compare prices before making a purchase.

By being aware of these tactics, you can make more informed decisions when shopping for food and avoid overspending.